Connecticut Wildlife Nov/Dec 2010

November/December 2010

PUBLISHED BY THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BUREAU OF NATURAL RESOURCES ● WILDLIFE DIVISION

November/December 2010 Connecticut Wildlife Volume 30, Number 6 ● November / December 2010 EEyeye �� onon thethe WWildild �� Published bimonthly by State of Connecticut Connecticut Hunting & Fishing Appreciation Day 2010 Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Natural Resources After many months of hard work and planning, the Friends of Sessions Woods Wildlife Division and DEP cosponsored a fun-filled day of free activities on Saturday, September www.ct.gov/dep 25, at the Wildlife Division’s Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area Commissioner in Burlington (see page 9 to learn more). The idea to hold a “Connecticut Amey Marrella Hunting & Fishing Appreciation Day” transpired with the non-profit Friends Deputy Commissioner group. Friends wanted to show its appreciation to sportsmen and women for Susan Frechette Chief, Bureau of Natural Resources their contributions to the conservation of Connecticut’s natural resources by William Hyatt sponsoring a special day to celebrate hunting and fishing. Why hold such Director, Wildlife Division an event at Sessions Woods? The acquisition of this property, which is used Rick Jacobson by hikers, school and scout groups, hunters, and anglers, was made possible Magazine Staff through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program. Federal aid also Editor Kathy Herz was instrumental in the establishment of the Sessions Woods Conservation Art Director/Photographer Paul Fusco Education Center. Hunters and anglers pay taxes and special fees on hunting Circulation Trish Cernik and fishing equipment to help fund wildlife and fish management, habitat restoration, and other conservation programs. Wildlife Division 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106-5127 (860-424-3011) One of the goals of CT Hunting & Fishing Appreciation Day was to hold a free Office of the Director, Recreation Management, Technical Assistance, event that would draw the participation of not only hunters and anglers, but Natural History Survey Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area families and others interested in the outdoors. The last Saturday in September P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013 (860-675-8130) was chosen for the event because it also is National Hunting and Fishing Day. Wildlife Diversity, Birds, Furbearers, Outreach and Education, Habitat Management, Conservation Education/Firearms Safety, Connecticut However, several fairs and festivals also are held all over the state on the same Wildlife magazine day. The organizers of CT Hunting & Fishing Appreciation Day knew they had Franklin Wildlife Management Area a tremendous task in front of them. Friends offered financial support and also 391 Route 32, N. Franklin, CT 06254 (860-642-7239) Migratory Birds, Deer/Moose, Wild Turkey, Small Game, Wetlands obtained grants from the Main Street Community Foundation, and the Clinton Habitat and Mosquito Management, Conservation Education/Firearms S. Roberts Foundation. Organizers invited other DEP Divisions, sportsmen’s Safety, Wildlife Diversity organizations, and local outdoor equipment retailers to participate. They also Eastern District Area Headquarters 209 Hebron Road, Marlborough, CT 06447 (860-295-9523) planned a multitude of activities and presentations for all ages. Everyone did State Land and Private Land Habitat Management their best to spread the word about this new event. Connecticut Wildlife magazine (ISSN 1087-7525) is published bimonthly by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection When September 25 arrived with its warm, sunny weather, the people steadily Wildlife Division. Send all subscription orders and address changes to came to Sessions Woods, curious about CT Hunting & Fishing Appreciation Connecticut Wildlife, Sessions Woods WMA, P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, Day. They left happy and pleased with the activities and programs. Most CT 06013. Subscription rates are $8 for one year, $15 for two years, and $20 for three years. No refunds. Periodical postage paid at Burlington, surprising of all was the number of families with children that attended. CT CT, and additional entry offices. Postmaster: Please send all address Hunting & Fishing Appreciation Day turned out to be the perfect family changes to Connecticut Wildlife, P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013. outing. The organizers accomplished their objective of getting families Web site: www.ct.gov/dep/wildlife outdoors and introducing them to a whole new world of wildlife and fisheries E-mail: [email protected] conservation and outdoor activities. Feedback from attendees and participants Phone: 860-675-8130 (volunteers, sportsmen’s groups, retailers) has all been positive. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program was initiated by sportsmen and conservationists to provide states with funding for wildlife management The Wildlife Division would like to extend its appreciation to everyone who and research programs, habitat acquisition, wildlife management area development, and hunter education programs. Connecticut Wildlife contains worked hard to make CT Hunting & Fishing Appreciation Day a resounding articles reporting on Wildlife Division projects funded entirely or in part success. with federal aid monies. The DEP is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and service Kathy Herz, Editor provider. In conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, DEP makes every effort to provide equally effective services for persons with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities who need this information in an alternative format, to allow them to benefit and/or participate in the agency’s programs and services, should call 860-424-3051 or 860-418-5937, or e-mail Marcia Bonitto, Cover: ADA Coordinator, at [email protected]. Persons who are hearing impaired should call the State of Connecticut relay number 711. Copyright 2010 by the Connecticut DEP Wildlife Division. The Wildlife Division Northern saw-whet owls spend the winter in Connecticut, roosting grants permission to reprint text, not artwork or photos, provided the DEP Wildlife in dense evergreens near their hunting grounds. Read the article on Division is credited. Artwork and photographs printed in this publication are copyrighted by the CT DEP Wildlife Division. Any unauthorized use of artwork and page 3 to learn more about a project to improve their winter roosting photos is prohibited. Please contact the editor at the Sessions Woods office to obtain habitat. permission for reprinting articles. Printed on recycled paper Photo courtesy of Paul J. Fusco

Connecticut Wildlife November/December 2010 Restoring Winter Roosting Habitat for the Saw-whet Owl Written by Peter Picone

Habitat is the foundation of wildlife’s existence and, for some species, special J. FUSCO P. habitats can become even more important seasonally. This is the case with the Northern saw-whet owl, which uses evergreen roosting cover during late fall and winter. The saw-whet is Connecticut’s smallest owl. It hunts for white-footed mice in the darkness of night. After their hunting forays, the owls seek the protective cover of evergreens. Saw-whets winter in Connecticut, roosting in dense evergreens near their winter hunting grounds. Ever- greens provide important thermal cover during the cold winter months and protection from larger avian predators during daylight hours. Saw-whets also occasionally store captured prey on evergreen branches for later consumption. As forests age, evergreens like red cedar are displaced by oaks, hickories, The northern saw-whet owl uses evergreen cover for roosting and protection in winter. and maples. Without forest management, shade-intolerant, early colonizers, such as of the planting stock (bare root white tion project, especially the USDA Natural red cedar, die off in 25 to 30 years. pine, Norway spruce, white spruce) was Resource Conservation Service, DEP The Wildlife Division received a donated by Richard Jaynes of Broken Ar- Parks Division, Master Wildlife Conser- U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife row Nursery, in Hamden. As the planted vationists, and New Britain High School Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) grant evergreens grow, they will improve and invasive plant management volunteers. to restore evergreen habitat at a saw-whet retain the Northern saw-whet owl’s win- Peter Picone is biologist with the Wildlife owl winter roosting site on state land ter roosting sites on the property. Division’s Habitat Management Program in New Haven County. Restoration and The Division is grateful to its partners enhancement of evergreen habitat was who helped facilitate this habitat restora- accomplished by clearing away hard- wood tree competition around existing evergreens (known as daylighting); and planting new evergreens in clusters near former and current winter roosting areas. The daylighting of evergreens and site preparation for plantings was accomplished in 2008 with the use of a “brontosaurus” mower. This large apparatus has a drum-chop mow- ing head that chomps, grinds, and PROGRAM MANAGEMENT PICONE, HABITAT P. mulches woody vegetation to ground level. Habitat managers consider this machine one of the best tools of the trade to improve sunlight conditions and restore young forests. In fall 2009 and spring 2010, red cedar, white pine, white spruce, and Norway spruce were planted by Division staff and volunteer Master Wildlife Conservationists in areas cleared by the brontosaurus. Fencing was placed around the cedars to protect them from deer browsing as they are a preferred winter food for deer. Some Master Wildlife Conservationists plant evergreens to improve winter roosting habitat for saw- whet owls.

November/December 2010 Connecticut Wildlife The Future of Moose in Connecticut

Written by Andrew LaBonte

Moose are one of North America’s largest land mammals and the largest member of the deer family (Cervidae). An adult moose stands six feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh up to 1,400

pounds. Moose are well adapted for the A. LABONTE, DEER PROGRAM cold weather of the northern portion of their historic range, which includes the northeastern United States and eastern Canada (including Newfoundland), and westward to the Great Lakes. Historic Accounts of Moose Historic accounts suggest that moose existed in Connecticut, but were extirpated sometime in the early eighteenth century. According to the Connecticut State Archaeologist, no archaeological deposits of moose exist, indicating that moose, if truly ever native, likely occurred in low numbers. Beginning in the early 1900s, To better assess the future existence of moose in Connecticut, moose are being captured, moose were reportedly seen on a few radio-collared, and ear tagged as part of an ongoing project. occasions throughout the state. An emergency in 1956. Wandering moose occasionally regulation that were reported through the early to mid- gave full protec- 1990s; however, there was no evidence tion to moose that a resident population existed. In was passed 2000, the first sighting of a cow with a calf was documented, confirming the establishment of a resident population. Since 2000, a growing number of public and hunter sightings of moose and an increase in moose-vehicle accidents indicate the population continues to ex- pand. The population was conservatively estimated at 74 moose in 2008. Reported Moose Sightings 2000-2009

�� Moose are one of North �� America’s largest land ��

mammals. An adult moose �� stands six feet tall at the �� shoulder and can weigh up to �� 1,400 pounds. �� P. J. FUSCO P. ��

Connecticut Wildlife November/December 2010 Limits to Population Expansion ing cool throughout the year, moose also deer are the usual host for the worm, they Continued expansion of the moose face the challenge of coping with insects rarely become ill from it. population in Connecticut may be limited and disease. Moose can be harassed by During 2005, a Connecticut moose by several factors, including quality of biting flies to the point where their health became sick and died in Burlington and habitat and food resources, weather, is impacted because they are forced to another displaying symptoms associ- and disease. Optimal habitat has been move into less desirable habitat to escape ated with brain worm was euthanized in described as areas dominated by early the flies. Winter ticks, also known as Goshen. In 2009, a third moose that was successional vegetation offering a wide “moose ticks,” can significantly impact behaving oddly in Hartland was captured variety of tree stand types and age classes the health of moose. Unlike the deer tick, and later had to be euthanized after it that provide both mature conifer cover the moose tick feeds on one host through- was unable to regain mobility. All three and open, disturbed areas for forage. out its life cycle, which begins when moose were examined at the University Connecticut forests are primarily mature, eggs hatch into larvae in summer. Larvae of Connecticut and showed infestations with 78% percent of trees greater than are picked up when a moose passes by of brain worm. This past August, an adult 60 years of age. This condition provides vegetation where eggs were laid. The female moose that displayed signs of plenty of cover from weather. However, larvae remain on the moose through the brain worm (lameness and limited ability during much of the year, moose prefer nymphal and adult stages where they con- to stand) was immobilized in Cromwell young forest stands with high stem densi- tinue to feed and relocated to northwestern ties and quality food that can meet the until they drop Connecticut, where it had the demands of their diet (40-50 pounds of off in May. best chance of survival. The food per day). Moose may expend more As many as moose died the following day. calories searching for food than they can 50,000 ticks Although the ultimate cause consume if the density of optimal forage have been of death was unclear, it is species is low. reported on likely that stress from either moose in sev- disease or injury, in combina- Impact of Temperature and eral Canadian tion with stress associated Habitat Provinces. The with capture and relocation, consequences Moose and deer ticks found on a moose was too much for the animal. Warm temperatures might restrict captured in Hartland in 2009. of heavy tick the southern range expansion of moose PHOTO BY P. LEWIS, DEER PROGRAM loads are Collecting Data into areas with otherwise adequate forest excessive grooming, hair loss, and even To better assess the future existence habitat. Moose have difficulty dissipating death. Moose with an extensive tick of moose in Connecticut, moose are surplus heat when there are warm tem- infestation are often referred to as “ghost being captured, radio-collared, and ear peratures, which can lead to heat stress. moose” because they appear to be a light- tagged as part of an ongoing project Heat stress can lead to reductions in colored, pale grey instead of dark brown. between the DEP, University of Con- overall activity, influencing feeding time A neurologic disease known as necticut, and Northeast Wildlife Damage and consumption rates, and can result “moose sickness” is caused by a brain Management Cooperative, along with in weight loss. Average daily tempera- worm that is found in deer in eastern and additional cooperation from the Metro- tures in Connecticut exceed temperature central North America. Larval stages of politan District Commission. Information thresholds for moose 200-300 days out of the worm are shed by deer and found is being collected on age, weight, general the year. Temperature readings recorded on their feces. Intermediate hosts, such health, habitat use, and survival of moose. from a GPS-collared moose in northwest as snails and slugs, pick up the larvae. A female moose that was captured in Connecticut revealed that the moose was As moose feed on vegetation, snails March 2009 and had been missing since exposed to temperatures above heat stress and slugs are incidentally ingested. The May 2009 was recently observed with a temperatures 86% of the time. worms carried by the snails and slugs calf in Hartland. The cow had given birth A model evaluating the suitability of penetrate the wall of a moose’s stom- to a calf earlier this year and both have Connecticut’s landscape for moose was ach during digestion and migrate along been seen with a bull collared in January developed, based on quality and quan- nerves until they reach the vertebral wall. 2010 for the past month. tity of habitat and temperature. Three There they enter the tissue of the spinal Anyone who observes a moose in counties were classified as unsuitable cord and continue to migrate towards the urban areas of Connecticut should contact for moose based on density of roads and brain. Brain worm infestations are known the Wildlife Division’s Franklin office at humans. The total potential moose in to cause weakness in the hindquarters, 860-642-7239 or Sessions Woods office Connecticut is 1,359, based on moose turning of the head and neck to one side, at 860-675-8130 during office hours densities derived from the model. fearlessness, lethargy, rapid eye move- (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM- Potential moose concentration varied ment, blindness, circling, and the inability 4:30PM), or DEP Emergency Dispatch geographically across the state. The areas to stand. Moose infected with brain worm (860-434-3333) after hours. All other most suitable for moose exist along the may not always exhibit signs of infection. observations can be reported on the DEP Massachusetts border in northeastern and Brain worm also may not be the direct Web site at www.ct.gov/dep/wildlife. northwestern Connecticut. cause of death. However, the condi- Andrew LaBonte is ENDANGERED SPECIES Impact of Insects and Disease tion has been associated with declines AREAS a biologist with the TURAL in moose populations throughout North NA In addition to the challenges associ- Wildlife Division’s WILDLIFE AX CHECK-OFF America since symptoms were first docu- CT T ated with finding adequate food and keep- Deer Program mented in Minnesota in 1912. Although

November/December 2010 Connecticut Wildlife Blue Spots and Spade Feet: DEP study is focused on two of New England’s rarest amphibians Written by Kevin J. Ryan

Bucolic eastern Connecticut, with its ish, lyre-shaped pattern on their backs. While adapted to conditions other gently rolling hills and scenic farm fields, They owe their name to the sharp-edged, amphibians would find prohibitive, no is a herpetological hot spot. The region is spade-like projections on their hind feet amount of evolutionary conditioning has home to two of New England’s rarest am- called tubercles which are used for cork- prepared the spadefoot for its current phibians: the eastern spadefoot toad and screwing themselves into underground challenge—human-dominated land- the pure-diploid blue-spotted salamander. burrows. Digging burrows – which can be scapes. Spadefoot populations have been If “spadefoot” and “pure diploid” are up to six feet deep – are a relic response extirpated due to development, including terms that leave you wondering, you’re to life in the deserts in which these ani- one well-known population near New in good company. Although the DEP mals evolved. Connecticut isn’t exactly Haven which was extirpated in the 1930s identified the spadefoot and bluespot as arid, but these “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” burrows still in its 2005 Comprehensive Wildlife allow spade-

Conservation Strategy and both species foots to avoid MAMMONE T. are endangered in Connecticut, surpris- predators and ingly little is known about either animal. desiccation. So, in an effort to learn more about these Another animals’ habits and preferred habitats and trait that har- to better guide conservation strategies, kens back to DEP partnered with the University of desert origins is Maine Department of Wildlife Ecology their arrhyth- and CTHerpConsultant, LLC, in 2008 to mic, explo- gather much-needed data on these spe- sive breeding cies. The overarching goal of this study events. While is to determine the best way to guide every other development in a way that supports per- amphibian in sistence of these species. At the time of New England this writing, the study is in its third year, adheres to a and a fourth and final season is planned predictable, an- for 2011. nual breeding cycle, spade- Eastern Spadefoots: Desert foots wait for Animals Stuck in Desert Ways intense rains in Little-known and somewhat mis- spring or sum- The eastern spadefoot toad has a characteristic lyre-shaped pattern on named, eastern spadefoots are not, in fact, mer to initiate its back. This toad is listed as an endangered species in Connecticut. true toads like our ubiquitous American truly explosive and Fowler’s toads. Somewhere between events lasting anywhere from one night to – presumably to urbanization. a toad and a frog, these desert amphibians several days. These events are best identi- At the natural edge of their range and are believed to have evolved from a com- fied by raucous calling reminiscent of the up against the ticking clock of seemingly mon ancestor in the arid southwestern cawing of crows. Yet, for all this sound inevitable land-use conversion, there is United States and northern Mexico. Over and fury, a given population may go years still time to safeguard the future of this millennia, spadefoots expanded their without breeding. These periodic emer- odd little creature. Several populations ranges and evolved into separate species. gences gave rise to the myth that spade- are still known from the northern portion Presently, there are six species west of foots remain underground, completely of the Central Connecticut Lowland, the Mississippi River and one east – the inactive, for years at a time. (Spadefoots and more recently, spadefoots have been eastern spadefoot. In New England, do emerge periodically at night to feed.) discovered in the Quinebaug River water- known spadefoot populations are usually When they do breed, the resulting shed in eastern Connecticut. As we learn found in river valleys at sites below 200 offspring bear yet another desert adapta- more about their life history, we are better feet in elevation. tion. Because water in the desert dries able to guide development for the mutual Even the most ardent spadefoot en- up quickly, larval spadefoots everywhere benefit of both species. thusiast will admit that they are odd-look- develop accordingly. Eggs can hatch ing animals, and it doesn’t take a trained in only a few days and, under the right Pure-diploid Blue-spotted eye to tell them apart from Connecticut’s conditions, it takes a mere two weeks for Salamanders: Normal Is Unique other anurans (frogs and toads). Eastern a tadpole to transform into a juvenile. Blue-spotted salamanders are one of spadefoots are considerably less warty Other “rapidly” developing anurans, several species of Connecticut salaman- than true toads, have vertical pupils like wood frogs for example, take two to three ders belonging to the family Ambystoma- those of a pit viper, and bear a whit- months to develop into froglets. tidae, the mole salamanders. Individuals

Connecticut Wildlife November/December 2010 arrive. Once the ing place at two field sites in the eastern females arrive part of the state that are both inhabited at the breed- by eastern spadefoots and pure-diploid SHINKIEWICZ ing areas, they blue-spotted salamanders. Specifically, deposit the the objectives of this study are to assess sperm packets the animals’ breeding population sizes, in their bodies. fidelity to breeding sites, movement The “stolen” patterns to and from breeding wetlands, sperm initiates the proportion of juveniles surviving to egg develop- become adults, and non-breeding habitat ment, but gener- use. Tried-and-true methods complement ally, the genetic a few new techniques to collect informa- material is not tion on both animals. incorporated into the young. Pitfall Trapping This type of Pitfall trapping is a technique used A pure-diploid blue-spotted salamander from the Quinebaug Valley. This sperm-steal- in ecological studies to capture small amphibian is listed as an endangered species in Connecticut. ing reproduc- animals, such as insects, small mam- tion has been mals, reptiles, and amphibians. It allows of this family are most often encountered recently termed “kleptogenesis.” researchers to determine the species pres- on warm, rainy, spring nights when they At first blush, this sort of reproductive ent on a site, and to estimate population undertake annual breeding migrations strategy may seem unusual. Yet, through- size. Due to problems with indiscriminate en masse to their ancestral breeding out New England’s wetlands, genetically capture, the Wildlife Division currently wetlands. Adult mole salamanders use muddled female salamanders use sperm only permits pitfall traps to be used for wetlands only for several weeks during from unrelated males every spring. The long-term permitted studies like this one. spring (with the exception of the marbled rare exceptions occur in three known Species composition, as determined salamander, which breeds in the fall), populations of sexually reproducing, by pitfall trapping, also gives clues to spending the rest of their lives in forests genetically pure blue-spotted salamanders possible between-species competition for adjacent to breeding wetlands. — on the eastern tip of Long Island, New breeding sites and/or food resources; aids The story of blue-spotted salamanders York at Montauk; in the Hockomock in the assessment of potential predator- is a complicated one. Throughout much Swamp in Massachusetts; and in the prey interactions; and gives insight into of New England, most salamanders we Quinebaug River watershed in eastern facultative use of pools by other species. call “bluespots” are actually part of a Connecticut. These diploid populations The layout of pitfall trap arrays at genetic mélange which stemmed from the are thought to be of the same lineage research sites surrounds breeding pools hybridization of two species millions of which remained geographically isolated and compartmentalizes the habitat types years ago. By and large, then, a bluespot from the unisexual, kleptomaniacal present. This allows the assessment of isn’t just a bluespot…unless it is. To bet- masses after the last glaciation. population-wide movements. ter understand this, let’s take a step back. The rare, puritan diploid bluespots Blue-spotted salamanders and eastern Most land-dwelling vertebrates are look a little different from their complex spadefoots captured in pitfall traps “diploid,” meaning they have two sets of cousins. Genetically pure blue-spotted are surgically implanted with Passive chromosomes: one from an individual’s salamanders are the smallest of Connect- Integrated Transponders (PIT tags). PIT mother and one from its father. Salaman- icut’s mole salamanders; they are black tags are glass-encased microchips that ders in unisexual populations are “poly- with blue or bluish-white spots on the emit a unique identification number when ploid,” meaning that they have multiple sides of the body and tail. Their narrow scanned by a reading device. From that sets of chromosomes – in some cases up heads taper to a rounded snout. Unisexual moment on, each animal with a PIT tag to five. In a given ambystomatid salaman- blue-spotted salamanders tend to be is identifiable at the individual level, and der, these extra chromosome sets can be larger, brownish, and have considerably subsequent recaptures can be tracked. from several other closely-related species. wider heads. For Connecticut’s bluespots, those extra Most studies of blue-spotted sala- Radio-telemetry sets come from the Jefferson salamander. manders focus on genetics of unisexual A subset of blue-spotted salamanders If the species’ genetic ambiguity populations, and little is known about and spadefoots toads have been implant- wasn’t strange enough, its sexual habits their life history. Most published studies ed a with radio-transmitters, allowing are guaranteed to raise eyebrows. Popula- on the species recognize that they were their every move to be tracked. Each time tions of these hybrid species complexes working with unisexual populations, but an animal shifts its location, a suite of generally consist only of females. Yet, do not attempt to reconcile their ecology macro- and micro-habitat information is despite having no males, they still with their genetics. Studying the ecology recorded, including canopy cover, leaf need male sperm to reproduce. During of diploid bluespots serves as a baseline litter depth, and soil temperature. Habitat the breeding season, female unisexual for examining the influence of other spe- information is recorded at two random salamanders “steal” sperm from males of cies’ genes on unisexual populations. sites for each animal location to compare closely-related species. Male salaman- the habitats that study animals are using ders release sperm packets in the water Connecticut Study versus other available habitats. of breeding areas before the females The current Connecticut study is tak- continued next page

November/December 2010 Connecticut Wildlife Blue Spots and Spade Feet reader again begins to record the PIT tag North and South America, nine species continued from page 7 number. Collecting data in this fashion have been extirpated in the past 100 years provides an assessment of when and for and the present existence of another 117 PIT Tag Scanning how long spadefoots emerge. Comparing species remains unknown. Of North and PIT tags are being employed as a emergence data to weather information South America’s 1,187 amphibian spe- novel method of detecting blue-spot- will be helpful in determining what spurs cies, 39% face extinction, 337 of which ted salamanders in situ via methodical spadefoots to the surface for both breed- are classified as critically endangered. scanning with a PIT tag reading device ing and non-breeding emergences. This In the northeastern United States, equipped with a modified antenna. The knowledge may in turn be useful for con- habitat degradation, loss, and fragmen- ordeal is reminiscent of a person search- ducting presence/absence surveys as new tation have been identified as the main ing for buried treasures with a metal sites can be searched when spadefoots are causes of decline in amphibian species. detector. Locating salamanders in this likely to be active. The best-intentioned conservation fashion allows for the examination of efforts risk crumbling if their foundation habitat use at both coarse and fine scales. Spadefoot searches is not one of sound science. While much If salamanders are found using a habitat To discover new localities of east- of the Northeast experiences significant disproportionately to the amount of a ern spadefoots in eastern Connecticut, industrial, commercial, and residential particular habitat, then the salamanders researchers have been searching at night development, eastern spadefoots and may be exhibiting a preference for that during presumed peak spadefoot activity blue-spotted salamanders face greater habitat type. As with telemetry, micro- periods. Surveys have been concentrated and greater habitat loss. And, while it habitat information is collected at each on areas identified by the “Predicted is a logical enough response for con- salamander location. Spadefoot Toad Habitat Map” created by cerned citizens to wring hands and decry Wildlife Division technician Kate Moran. bulldozers, solid research into how these Toad-totes The map is based on a Geographic Infor- animals make their living can be used to To collect data on non-breeding mation System (GIS) model which incor- guide most development around them. emergences of eastern spadefoots, the porates elevation and soil characteristics Their long-term viability hinges on the antenna of another type of modified PIT of known spadefoot locations to predict public’s understanding of the value of tag reading device, dubbed a “toad- further areas of suitable habitat (see “GIS biodiversity, the dedication of scientists tote,” is placed over the burrow of a PIT Aids in Identifying Potential Spadefoot logging long hours in the field and lab, tag-implanted individual. The reader Toad Habitat,” in the July/August 2009 and willingness of local planning depart- subsequently records the animal’s PIT issue of Connecticut Wildlife). ments and the development community to tag number as well as the date and time be open to changes in business as usual. the tag number was recorded. Once a An Opportunity to Act Kevin J. Ryan is a graduate ENDANGERED SPECIES spadefoot emerges from its burrow and Amphibians are sentinels of planetary AREAS research assistant from the TURAL NA moves away from the antenna, its tag is health – the proverbial canaries in a coal University of Maine Wildlife WILDLIFE no longer read, which is reflected in the mine – and they are declining worldwide AX CHECK-OFF Ecology Department CT T stored data in the PIT tag reader. When more rapidly than any other vertebrate the spadefoot returns to its burrow, the group, including birds and mammals. In

Zebra Mussels Discovered in Lakes Zoar and Lillinonah

The aquatic, invasive zebra mussel chemistry requirements, and are limited has been discovered in Lake Zoar and to waters with moderate to high calcium Lake Lillinonah, two large impound- concentrations and pH. In Connecticut, ments on the Housatonic River in western suitable habitat for zebra mussels is Connecticut. This is the first report of a mostly limited to a number of water bod- new infestation since zebra mussels were ies in western portions of the state. discovered in Connecticut in 1998 in Signs are being posted at Lakes East and West Twin Lakes in Salisbury. Lillinonah and Zoar to alert the public It is uncertain if the mussels found in about the presence of the zebra mussels Lakes Lillinonah and Zoar are the result and what precautions should be taken to of downstream migration from upstream not taken. prevent their spread. The DEP will con- sources or a separate introduction. The zebra mussel is a black and tinue to monitor these lakes and others Zebra mussels have the potential to white-striped bivalve mollusk, which was throughout the state. Possible sightings of cause much damage by displacing na- introduced into North American waters zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance tive mussels, clogging power plant and through the discharge of ship ballast wa- species should be reported to the DEP industrial water intakes, affecting public ter. Since its discovery in Lake St. Clair Inland Fisheries Division at 860-424- drinking water distribution systems, (Michigan/Ontario) in 1988, the zebra 3474. More information can be found and disrupting aquatic ecosystems. This mussel has spread throughout the Great on the DEP Web site (www.ct.gov/dep). invertebrate can spread from one water Lakes, Mississippi River system, and Look for an in-depth article about zebra body to another through boating and most of New York State. mussels in a future issue of Connecticut fishing activities if proper precautions are Zebra mussels have specific water Wildlife.

Connecticut Wildlife November/December 2010 CT Hunting & Fishing Appreciation Day Is a Huge Success Written by Kathy Herz, Photography by Paul Fusco

The DEP and Friends of Sessions Woods cosponsored Connecticut Hunting & Fishing Appreciation Day on September 25 at the Sessions Woods Wildlife Manage- ment Area in Burlington. This first-time event was a huge success as approximately 1,000 people, mostly families, attended. There were activities for all ages, along with interesting programs and workshops about hunting and fishing, target shooting, 3-D archery, casting pools, and hunting dog demonstrations. The Congress of Rough Riders of Naugatuck provided scheduled demonstrations of Cowboy Action Shoot- ing. Most importantly, attendees had the opportunity to speak face-to-face with DEP staff from the Wildlife, Inland and Marine Fisheries, Law Enforcement, Boating, and Forestry Divisions, as well as with represen- tatives from over 30 conservation, hunting, and fishing organizations. Attendees age 16 A certified range safety officer and older were able to enter a drawing for helps a youngster as he shoots a door prizes, including a kayak, shotgun, and .22 rifle at a target. fly-rod. Children participated in several fun activities and crafts, such as track making, face painting, a blindfolded ropes course, and a scavenger hunt. Those who completed the scavenger hunt received a bird identification book and were automatically entered into a Friends of Sessions Woods members staff the drawing for a backyard wildlife gift package. welcome table. Financial support for the event was provided by the Friends of Sessions Woods, The hands-on wildlife quiz was a the Main Street Community popular activity. Foundation, and the Clinton S. Roberts Foundation. Those who attended Hunting & Fishing Day were able to make turkey calls, learn about forestry and boating in CT, observe Cowboy Action Shooting, and practice flycasting.

Attendees age 16 and older were able to enter a drawing for door prizes (left). Archery was another popular activity (right). Conservation Education/Firearms Safety instructors were on hand to provide instruction.

November/December 2010 Connecticut Wildlife Large and in Charge - The Great Black-backed Gull Article and photography by Paul Fusco

Gulls are common and familiar birds to most Connecticut residents. Some species breed here, some migrate through the state, and some spend the winter. Ten species of gulls regularly occur in Connecticut at one time of year or another. Among them is the largest gull in the world, the great black-backed. The great black-backed gull is a resident, meaning that individuals can be found in Con- necticut year round. The population in our region has increased dramatically since the first half of the twentieth century. The great black-backed is an opportunist that has adapted to taking advan- tage of human-related food sources. Landfills and trash along the shoreline, including fishing waste, provide a readily accessible source of food. Description Great black-backed gulls share the same body structure as other members of the gull family, ex- The strong, heavy bill of the great black-backed gull is frequently used for catching cept they are bigger. They have long, broad wings; and killing prey. a short, rounded tail; and webbed feet. Adults have a black back and black topside to their wings (mantle). The Distribution head, body, and wing undersides are snowy white. First year Common within their range, great black-backed gulls are immatures have contrasting back markings, a pale head, and a found on both sides of the north Atlantic. Their breeding range black bill. extends from the middle Atlantic states north along the coasts With a body length of 32 inches and a wingspan of up to of the Canadian Maritime provinces to southern Greenland, five and one-half feet, the great black-backed is truly an impres- Iceland, and the coast of Europe from Scandinavia to Portugal. sive and powerful bird. The large bill is strong and stout. It has Although they are primarily sedentary, many withdraw from the a slight hook that is used to catch and kill prey, and tear flesh. northernmost latitudes in winter. Some birds may move as far Adults have a red spot on their lower mandible that chicks will south as coastal Florida and inland to large rivers or lakes as far peck at to get the adults to feed them. west as the Great Lakes. Great black-backed gulls are primarily coastal species. They often seen foraging far out at sea as they are known to follow feeding humpback whales and tuna to take advan- tage of smaller fishes that may be forced to the surface. The scientific name,Larus marinus, is both descriptive and fitting, meaning ravenous bird of the sea.

Above, a gull calls in an aggressive posture, while at right, a great black-backed gull exits the water carrying a freshly-killed black skimmer fledgling.

10 Connecticut Wildlife November/December 2010 Behavior Gulls are expert fliers, using minimal energy by gliding and soaring to cover large distances in their search for food. The great black-backed is capable of cover- ing extreme distances as it surveys its coastal and open water domain. Like an eagle, it can be seen rid- ing the wind to circle high above the shoreline, dropping down in smaller circles to join a feeding group on the water. It is the great black-backed gull that takes control in a group of other gulls. Its domineering behavior is so aggressive that no smaller gull dares to challenge it. Even amongst themselves, great black-backed gulls will sometimes battle one another for dominance to the point of injury. Attacks are carried out by using their powerful wings, feet, and sometimes bill to mercilessly subjugate their opponent. In fact, injuries are one A great black-backed gull starts to make off with its catch of flounder as a common loon looks on. of the principle causes of death in the population. practice was halted when two bird conservation laws, the Lacey Along with scavenging, most gulls feed on small fish and Act (1900) and Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1918), were passed, invertebrates, including mollusks. The great black-backed gull preventing exploitation. Since that time, the population has been also is a ruthless predator that is known to attack and kill chicks increasing and slowly spreading southward. On this side of the and adults of other birds, including puffins, murres, ducks, terns, north Atlantic, the great black-backed was once constrained to skimmers, and smaller gulls. These gulls are known to knock the Canadian Maritimes. The first documented nesting in Mas- smaller birds out of the air, coming in to kill them once they hit sachusetts was in the 1930s, and Connecticut followed with its the water. Great black-backed gulls also are pirates, regularly first nesting in the 1950s. robbing other seabirds of their catch. When great black-backed gulls are in close proximity to Great black-backed gulls usually start breeding at four to sensitive nesting colonies of terns and other seabirds, problems five years of age. They nest singly or in loose colonies on small sometimes develop. The gulls have the capacity to greatly im- rocky or grassy islands, barrier beaches, and other isolated pact nesting and productivity of the other species. The smaller coastal areas that are free of mammalian predators. birds, along with their eggs and chicks, are highly vulnerable to the aggressive predatory behavior of the larger gull. In some Conservation and Management situations, whole colonies of terns and other seabirds can be at Along with many other avian species, great black-backed risk of total nesting season failure or colony abandonment. gulls were once widely hunted for their eggs and feathers. That Wildlife managers in the Northeast region have undertaken measures to control populations of great black-backed gulls at sensitive locations to provide better nesting opportuni- ties for endangered and threatened birds. Some of these measures have had success in protecting a few of the region’s tern colonies. Paul Fusco is the Art Director and Wildlife Both adults (left) and immatures (right) exhibit long, broad wings and short, rounded tails. Adults have a black Photographer for the mantle (topside of wings and back), while young birds have contrasting markings with a pale head. Wildlife Division’s Outreach Program

November/December 2010 Connecticut Wildlife 11 2010 Atlantic Population Canada Goose Banding: A Personal Experience

Written by Kelly Kubik

Three distinct populations of Canada ing program in 1997. This geese are present in Connecticut during banding project is conducted certain times of the year. Two are in two separate regions on the migratory, spending their winters in the Ungava Peninsula: Hudson

state. The third is a year-long, resident Bay and Ungava Bay. BIRD PROGRAM K. KUBIK, MIGRATORY population. One of the two migratory This pre-season band- populations is the Atlantic Population ing program is vital to the (AP). These geese nest primarily on the management of AP Canada Ungava Peninsula in Nunavik, in northern geese, not only in Connecti- Quebec, Canada, and spend the winter cut but throughout the entire from Massachusetts southward to the Atlantic Flyway. The data Chesapeake Bay region of the Atlantic derived from this project are Airplanes, helicopters, and boats are the primary means of transportation in the remote Ungava Peninsula in Flyway. essential for monitoring adult northern Quebec, Canada. and juvenile survival rates, Banding at Breeding Grounds timing and distribution of harvest, and the Inuit community of Puvirnituq via The Atlantic Population was once population delineation. The program is a seven-hour plane ride from Montreal, considered the largest Canada goose a collaborative effort between the Arctic Quebec. I subsequently rendezvoused population in North America, peaking Goose Joint Venture, Canadian Wildlife with an Ontario Ministry of Natural Re- at nearly one million birds during the Service, Ducks Unlimited Incorporated, sources (OMNR) helicopter that took me 1970s. Unfortunately, the AP suffered Makivik Corporation, Nunavik Hunting, 40 miles south to our lodge on the Pol- a precipitous population decline during Fishing and Trapping Association, United emond River. There were nine individuals the late 1980s and early 1990s that led to States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the in our camp and we worked in two sepa- the closing of the regular Canada goose Atlantic Flyway Council, of which the rate banding groups. I was a member of a hunting season in the Atlantic Flyway Connecticut Department of Environmen- four-person crew that was also comprised in 1995. After this closure, waterfowl tal Protection is a member. of an OMNR pilot, OMNR engineer, and a waterfowl biologist from Delaware. The managers decided that AP geese needed Corralling Geese by Helicopter to be monitored directly on their breed- other banding crew in the camp included ing grounds rather than on their wintering This year, I participated in the pre- a helicopter pilot from Nunavik Ro- grounds, as was traditionally conducted. season banding of Atlantic Population tors and four Canadian Wildlife Service Part of this new monitoring program was geese along the Hudson Bay for a second employees. the initiation of a breeding ground band- time. On August 5, 2010, I arrived in While banding geese in this remote sub-arctic region is similar to the resident Canada goose banding that occurs in Connecticut, it does have some very distinct differences. Because this area is comprised of road- less wilderness, a helicopter was used to locate, drive, and corral the geese

P. LABONTE- CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE P. into a portable net. After the geese were captured, we separated the goslings from the adults and then sexed and banded each goose. We also recorded the band numbers of any birds that were banded in previous years. To increase the probability of not capturing any molt mi- grant resident geese, only flocks of molting geese One of the banding crews consisted of (left to right) Rob Hossler (Biologist from the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife), Chuck Brown (OMNR Engineer), Gord Bain (OMNR Pilot), and Kelly Kubik, author and Connecticut that contained goslings Wildlife Division Technician. were caught. Skull mea-

12 Connecticut Wildlife November/December 2010 K. KUBIK, MIGRATORY BIRD PROGRAM (3) K. KUBIK, MIGRATORY

An A-Star B2 helicopter was used to local, corral, and drive molting geese into a portable net. The net was carried in a container attached to a skid on the helicopter. surements were taken on approximately geese that were encountered. 10% of the geese that were caught. These Our camp banded 2,398 geese, measurements allowed us to differenti- which included 1,015 adults and 1,383 ate between other subspecies of Canada goslings. Eighty-one previously banded adults also were recaptured. The two groups conducted banding between August 6 and August 14, 2010. We made 84 catches A nesting rough-legged hawk was one of the with an average many wildlife species we observed while working capture size of in this area. 30 geese. All of the captures Hudson Bay and Ungava Bay banded a occurred in an total of 4,594 AP geese this past year. area that ranged Overall, productivity of AP geese in 2010 approximately was classified as moderate to good. 115 miles north Kelly Kubik is a wildlife technician to south along the for the Wildlife Division’s Migratory northern Hudson Gamebird Program. The Atlantic Flyway Bay coast and Council, through the existing Cooperative extended 25 miles Canada Goose Project, provided the The topography of the study area in northern Quebec consists of inland. Collec- funding for Kelly to travel to Canada to numerous ponds, lakes, rivers, and rocky outcroppings intermixed tively, the banding assist with this project. among the tundra. operations along

November/December 2010 Connecticut Wildlife 13 Waterfowl Hunters in CT, an Aging and Declining Population

Written by Min T. Huang

Participation in waterfowl hunting gradual decline in the number of water- of annual Connecticut Duck Stamps to in Connecticut and throughout North fowl hunters is not unique. Participation waterfowl hunters has provided over one America has been declining since the in hunting, in general, is declining. million dollars that have been used exclu- 1980s. The reasons for this decline are Increasing recruitment and retention sively for the acquisition, enhancement, varied, including low duck populations of waterfowl hunters in Connecticut, and restoration of over 1,700 acres of in- in the 1980s, steel shot requirements for the short and long-term, is crucial as land and tidal wetlands since 1993. Many enacted in the late 1980s, closure of the waterfowlers are the single most ardent of these hunters also belong to nonprofit Canada goose seasons in the Atlantic Fly- supporters of wetland habitat conserva- waterfowl organizations that annually way in the mid-1990s, and a general loss tion. Waterfowl hunters constitute a small raise funds to benefit not only waterfowl of interest. Changes in society, lack of percentage of total hunters in Connecti- but all wetland dependent wildlife. Devel- leisure time, and a changing population cut, but their contributions to conserva- oping meaningful strategies for recruiting demographic also are likely causes. The tion programs are significant. The sale and retaining waterfowl hunters requires looking at a broad array of factors that affect participation. Assessing Waterfowl Hunters Starting in 2004, the Wildlife Divi- sion has sent two comprehensive surveys to over 1,000 waterfowl hunters. Objec- tives were to assess the demographics of waterfowl hunters in Connecticut but,

M. HUANG, MIGRATORY BIRD PROGRAM M. HUANG, MIGRATORY most importantly, to gauge levels of participation, motivations for hunting, and satisfactions derived from participation. It is clear that Connecticut’s waterfowl hunter population is aging. The average age of a waterfowl hunter in the state is approximately 46, with over 20 years of waterfowl hunting experience. Annual participation is high, averaging around 85%. However, despite hunting seasons that have become more liberal in recent years, the number of days spent waterfowl hunting is decreasing. This decline can be attributed to changes in other commitments, decreasing access to hunting spots, and using limited recreational time to hunt other species, such as deer. Hunters that reported not participating in the past one or two seasons cited the same reasons as active hunters for spending fewer days hunting. At least 26% of “dropout hunters” cited lack of access to hunting areas as the overriding reason for not participating. Twenty percent cited other commitments as keeping them from waterfowl hunting, and 18% said that they hunted other species instead of waterfowl with their limited time. Participation in Hunting The factors that motivate hunters to participate in the activity and the satisfactions they derive from participating also can provide meaningful insight into how Retired Wildlife Division Assistant Director Greg Chasko (right) is an avid waterfowl hunter to maintain and recruit hunters. Spending and former head of the Division’s Waterfowl Program. He has made an effort throughout time outdoors with family and friends has the years to mentor younger hunters interested in gaining the skills necessary to become a “waterfowler.” the greatest influence on participation by

14 Connecticut Wildlife November/December 2010 active waterfowl hunters. This is in stark contrast to the motiva- J. FUSCO P. tions of hunters that reported not hunting in the past year or two. Those “dropout” hunters were more motivated by the desire to harvest ducks than any other factor. Satisfaction from Hunting The factors that governed the satisfaction derived from a given hunt also were different between active participants and non- participants. Most participants gained satisfaction from a hunting experience through spending time outdoors with family and friends, working with hunting dogs, and seeing wildlife in general, ducks Despite hunting seasons that have become more liberal in recent years, such as the resident goose in particular. “Dropout” hunt- season, a recent Wildlife Division survey found that waterfowl hunters are spending less time ers were more inclined to derive hunting waterfowl. satisfaction from taking a lot of shots pants as they were for participants. These ing ducks. There is an appreciation for on a hunt or harvesting a given number differences point to the need to foster being in a marsh with a dog and friends of ducks. Seeing wildlife and just being an identity in potential duck hunters. that is borne over many experiences and outdoors did not resonate as much with Hunters going into the field to experience years of trial and error. Given the way this group as it did for the hunters who more than just the harvest are more likely that new waterfowl hunters are brought participated annually. to remain hunters and conservationists for into the fold (mentoring), it is critical that life, rather than transients. waterfowl hunters give back to the sport Differences Between Active and in more than just financial ways. “Dropout” Hunters Mentoring Is Crucial The factors identified by hunters as The differences in expression between Duck hunting is a specialized sport; deterring participation, such as lack of active hunters and “dropout” hunters it involves a great investment in time, access, are issues that are difficult but not shed some light on why those who are equipment, and skill. Recruitment may be impossible to address by state agencies. dropping out may not continue to pursue difficult if hunting access to some areas is Concerted efforts to increase access and duck hunting. Previous studies have not easy, initial experiences are not char- potentially create more permit-only areas found that hunters that pursued their sport acterized by high satisfaction, and there is are merely a matter of resource allocation for achievement-related reasons were a lack of parental/mentor influence. One and diligence. More importantly, perhaps, more likely to drop out than those that of the tools that has been touted as a way is developing ways to foster a greater ap- were motivated by appreciative-related to introduce new hunters to the sport has preciation for the totality of experiences reasons. Motivations for non-participants been the establishment of Youth Water- that is waterfowl hunting in new and in Connecticut to hunt ducks were less fowl Hunter Training days by the U.S. perspective waterfowl hunters, not just appreciative-related than for those who Fish and Wildlife Service. Unfortunately, the shooting and harvesting aspect. did participate. Non-participants were not only 5% of hunters have been mentored From a conservation standpoint, it as motivated to hunt for reasons such as during a youth hunt day and only 15% also is apparent that hunters who are an- merely spending time outdoors, nor were of hunters have mentored a youth at one nual participants were more likely to be they inclined to list spending time with of these special days. Numerous studies a member of Ducks Unlimited or some friends or family as highly as participants. have indicated that participation in hunt- other conservation organization. Many These motivational preferences were ing, particularly a specialized segment dropout hunters reported not being a further exemplified in the factors that such as waterfowl hunting, takes a great member of such an organization or had each group identified as important toward deal of mentoring. An overwhelming recently suspended membership. The their overall satisfaction. Non-partici- 91% of hunters said that they were men- focus should not only be on how to re- pants were more likely to derive their tored in becoming a waterfowl hunter by cruit new waterfowl hunters, but also on satisfaction from harvest-related factors a parent, relative, or close friend. maintaining those that already participate than were participants. For instance, fir- and fostering more mentoring from existing a lot of shots (achievement-related) How to Increase Participation? ing participants. This might be the key to on a given duck hunting trip was a greater The reasons for participation and maintaining the waterfowl tradition. determinant of satisfaction for non-partic- dropout of waterfowl hunters are numer- Min Huang is the leader of the ipants. Appreciative-related satisfactions, ous and their interactions complex. It is Wildlife Division’s Migratory such as working with a hunting dog and clear, however, that longtime waterfowl Gamebird Program honing one’s individual hunting skills, hunters continue to hunt waterfowl for also were not as important to non-partici- many reasons other than merely harvest-

November/December 2010 Connecticut Wildlife 15 Shelter for Bluebirds FROM THE FIELD The Wildlife Division is offering bundles of rough-cut lumber to groups free-of-charge for building bluebird nest boxes. The wood Fees and Credits for Fishing can be reserved by organized groups only and Hunting Licenses, on a “first come, first serve” basis beginning November 1, 2010. Group leaders should Permits, and Tags contact Wildlife Division technician Geoffrey Legislation was approved and signed Krukar at 860-675-8130 (Mon.-Fri., 8:30 into law in April during the 2010 session of AM-4:00 PM) or send an E-mail to Geoffrey. the Connecticut General Assembly reducing [email protected] to make a reservation. many of the fees for sportsmen’s licenses Requesters must provide the following and permits. This was followed in June by information: contact name, group name, legislation authorizing a credit to be applied mailing address, daytime phone number, against the fee for any 2011 sportsmen’s E-mail address (if available), and number of license, permit, or tag when purchase of PHOTO BY P. J. FUSCO bundles requested (limit 3 per group). Fifty a license, permit, or tag had been made at bundles will be available by January 2011. the higher prices in place between October Puritan Tiger Beetle Update Each bundle of wood yields approximately 15-20 nest boxes. The lumber consists of 1, 2009, and April 14, 2010. The credit The 20th year of adult Puritan tiger beetle planks, and all groups will be responsible for amount will be the difference between the surveys at current and historic sites was cutting the wood to the correct dimensions. higher amount paid during that time period completed in 2010. The Puritan tiger beetle Only one request per group will be accepted, and the amount set by the new fee structure is a federally threatened and state endangered and participants will be mailed information established on April 14, 2010. species. It only occurs in New England on packets which contain box designs and Credit redemption is not available from sandy beaches along the Connecticut River instructions, directions to a pick-up location, town clerks, retail vendors, or through DEP’s and in Maryland along the shores of the and claim tickets. When notified, groups will Online Sportsmen Licensing System. You Chesapeake Bay. This handsome beetle has be responsible for picking up their wood at must purchase your 2011 license, permit, a two-year life cycle, spending one year as either Sessions Woods Wildlife Management or tag by mail or in person at one of the a grub-like larva feeding until emerging the Area, located at 341 Milford Street (Route following DEP facilities to obtain a credit next summer as a mature adult to mate and 69) in Burlington, or at DEP Eastern District (2011 licenses/permits/tags will be available lay eggs. Headquarters, located at 209 Hebron Road starting December 1, 2010): Puritan tiger beetle larvae are fascinating (Route 66) in Marlborough. l in their own right. After a tiger beetle egg Marine Headquarters, 333 Ferry Road, Participating groups will be expected to hatches, the larva digs a burrow to live in Old Lyme; 860-434-6043; Mon.-Fri. 8:00 construct, erect, and monitor the bluebird for the next year. The larva is specialized to AM-4:00 PM, boxes throughout the nesting season (March- live inside this burrow and is not often seen l Eastern District Headquarters, 209 July). To be eligible to participate in future outside of it. It will sit in the burrow and wait Hebron Road (Route 66), Marlborough; years, an annual report of box usage must be for a prey item, often a spider or ant, to get 860-295-9523; Mon.-Fri. 8:30 AM-4:00 sent to the Wildlife Division. PM close to the entrance, and then it will pop out and grab its meal. The larva has recurved l Western District Headquarters, 230 Plymouth Road, Harwinton, 860-485- spines on its back to anchor it into the burrow Restoration Project at 0226; Mon.-Fri. 8:30 AM-4:00 PM and keep it from getting pulled out by prey during an ambush. Long Beach West l Franklin WMA, 391 Route 32, Franklin, The Puritan tiger beetle, like many 860-642-7239; Mon.-Fri. 8:30 AM-4:00 A ceremony was held in late September other species, seemed to be affected by the PM 2010 to break ground for a project to restore unusually warm weather experienced this past Long Beach West, in Stratford, one of l Sessions Woods WMA, 341 Milford spring, and emerged about two weeks earlier Connecticut’s longest stretches of barrier Street (Route 69), Burlington, 860-675- than in past years. Peak numbers of adult 8130; Mon.-Fri. 8:30 AM-4:00 PM beach. The project, supported by nearly beetles were observed during the third week $1 million in American Recovery and l DEP Main Office, 79 Elm St, Hartford, of June in 2010. Peak numbers typically are Reinvestment Act stimulus funding, involves License & Revenue Office, 860-424- observed in the first or second week of July. demolishing the dilapidated remnants of 3105; Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-4:00 PM and Overall, since surveys began 20 years a former summer community, removing the DEP Store, 860-424-3555; Mon.-Fri. ago, the number of adult beetles observed debris and contaminants, and ultimately re- 9:00 AM-3:30 PM at Connecticut sites has either increased establishing 35-acres of beach to its natural Mail-in Option: A form to purchase or remained stable. This is good news, but state for people and wildlife. your license, permit, or tags by mail when there still is much work to be done. Habitat U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro redeeming a credit will be available on-line at management is needed at a few sites and joined officials from the U. S. Fish and www.ct.gov/dep/sportsmensfeereduction after the search continues for new locations as Wildlife Service and numerous project December 1, 2010. sandy beaches are often ephemeral due to partners for the ground breaking ceremony at the scouring and deposition processes of a the project site. To see a running tally of the river system. These small victories are to be The restored beach, which has been savored though, as there are many hurdles and designated as an internationally significant 2010 archery deer harvest, go chronic issues that plague endangered species area by the National Audubon Society, will to www.ct.gov/dep/hunting and recovery. provide critical habitat for migratory birds, Section 6 of the federal Endangered including the state and federally threatened click on “2010 Archery Deer Species Act has provided funding for the piping plover and state-threatened least tern; Harvest Update.” Puritan Tiger Beetle Project. rare plants; and other wildlife. Passive public Laura Saucier, Wildlife Diversity Program access to the beach also will be restored.

16 Connecticut Wildlife November/December 2010 Wildlife in Connecticut Notebook Raccoon Procyon lotor

Background Raccoons are common throughout Connecticut. The state’s expanding human population has probably benefited this opportunistic species; concentrations of people provide easy access to food sources, such as garbage, gardens, and bird feeders. Raccoons are adaptable, thriving in a large variety of habitat types. They are abundant in urban, suburban, and rural areas. The raccoon has been an economically important furbearer in Connecticut due to its abun- dance and pelt value. Raccoons are harvested each year during the regulated hunting and trapping seasons, providing recreation for many Connecticut sportsmen and helping to control local raccoon populations.

Range PHOTO BY P. J. FUSCO Raccoons range from Canada and throughout the United States (excluding the high elevations of are born blind, helpless, and are covered with yellowish-gray fur. the Rocky Mountains and much of the Southwest) into Mexico and After 30 to 40 days, the cubs leave the den and will travel with Central America. the female for short distances to search for food. At three to four Description months, the cubs begin to forage on their own. One of the most easily recognized furbearers, the medium- Interesting Facts sized raccoon is distinguished by a black mask across the eyes Raccoons are most closely related to the weasel (Mustelidae) and cheeks and black rings around the bushy tail. Long, thick fur and bear (Ursidae) families. They have keen senses of hearing, gives raccoons a typical gray-brown color, with variations ranging sight, and touch, but taste and smell are less well developed. from sienna to silver. Other characteristics include short, slightly The front and hind paws of raccoons have five digits each. The rounded ears bordered by white fur, and a long, pointed snout. dexterous front paws enable the raccoon to grasp and manipulate Most adults weigh between 10 and 20 pounds, with males typi- food items. Raccoons are excellent climbers, and can descend a cally larger than females. Raccoons range in length from 23 to 38 tree head first. inches, including the tail. Raccoons are primarily crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) Habitat and Diet and nocturnal (active at night). They occasionally venture out in daytime, but that does not mean that they are diseased. Raccoons Raccoons prefer wooded areas near streams, ponds, and often adjust their feeding schedules, especially in spring when marshes but are highly adaptable and can live in agricultural areas rearing their young. They may “den up” during the coldest periods and in close proximity to human developments. They make their in late fall and winter; however, this is not true hibernation, and the dens in tree cavities, abandoned woodchuck or fox burrows, rock animals will wander out during warm spells. crevices, brush piles, chimneys, attics, sheds, and other struc- Generally, raccoons are not social, but some pairs and families tures. travel together. Opportunistic and omnivorous, the raccoon has a varied diet Raccoons, especially large populations, prey on birds and their that includes fleshy fruits, mast (especially acorns, hickory nuts, nests. In Connecticut, they often raid bluebird nest boxes that are and beechnuts), grains, invertebrates (particularly crayfish and not protected with predator guards. They also are problematic for insects), rodents, young rabbits, birds, turtles and their eggs, fish, herons and egrets on offshore islands where repeated predation and carrion. Raccoons are known for raiding garbage, agricultural can cause abandonment of the entire colony. crops, chicken coops, and pet food left outdoors. Diseases Life History Raccoon Rabies: Raccoon rabies first appeared in Connecti- Raccoons breed in late winter or early spring. The male does cut in 1991 and raccoons are the primary carriers of this virus in not remain with the female after breeding. The young are born in the northeastern United States. Other mammals, including dogs, April or May after a 63-day gestation period. Females produce cats, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, and livestock, also have been one litter per year, with an average of four cubs per litter. The cubs infected with rabies. The following symptoms may indicate an

November/December 2010 Connecticut Wildlife 17 Wildlife in Connecticut Notebook infection from rabies, distemper, or other diseases: unprovoked raccoons from entering houses. Replace loose shingles and aggression, impaired movement, paralysis or lack of coordination, repair any holes near the eaves of the roof. Limiting access to the unusually friendly behavior, and disorientation. Daytime activity roof by trimming trees and shrubs also may be helpful. alone is not indicative of a raccoon with rabies; other symptoms The simplest and most effective, permanent solution to the also must be obvious. Contact with any wild or stray animal problem of raccoons living in a chimney is to cap it. However, should be avoided, especially if it is behaving abnormally. Report there may be young present, depending on the time of year. If the sick or strange-acting animals to the local police, animal control young are old enough to climb out, cap the chimney after the rac- officer, or the DEP. Contact your local health department or visit coons have left for the night. Sometimes, a female raccoon can the DEP Web site (www.ct.gov/dep/wildlife) for more information be encouraged to move her young to another location by the use on rabies. of repellents, such as ammonia or moth balls, combined with a Canine Distemper: Other diseases, such as canine distem- light and noise from a portable radio placed near the damper. per, can cause neurological symptoms similar to rabies. Distem- Install Fencing: Electric fences may help to keep raccoons per is a common disease that is usually fatal. However, it is not out of gardens. Wires must be spaced close together and close transmissible to humans and most domestic dogs are vaccinated to the ground to be effective. against this virus. Hunting and Trapping: On farms, where more effective Roundworm: Raccoons are primary carriers of roundworm, methods are needed to control a large number of animals, hunt- which is shed in raccoon feces. The roundworm rarely causes ers and trappers can harvest problem animals on the property problems for raccoons, but it can be dangerous to other mam- during the regulated hunting and trapping seasons or by special mals, including humans. A person can become infected if he permit at other times of the year. or she comes into contact with an item that is contaminated with raccoon feces. Therefore, it is important to keep children's sandboxes covered as raccoons may use them as latrine sites. J. FUSCO P. Management of Problems Because of their ability to coexist with humans, raccoons can become a nuisance when they damage gardens, raid garbage cans, or inhabit human structures. They can be especially destructive on farms, where they feed heavily on crops. Because they may carry rabies, problem raccoons cannot be relocated, and only specified wildlife rehabilitators can accept injured or orphaned raccoons for rehabili- tation with certain restrictions. There are several preventive measures that homeowners can take to control or reduce problems from raccoons: Do Not Feed or Touch Raccoons: Raccoons are wild animals. Feeding, whether directly or indirectly, may cause them to lose their fear of people. Secure Garbage: Keep garbage in tightly closed containers. Store containers Because of their ability to coexist with humans, raccoons can become a nuisance when they in an outdoor storage bin or in a garage or raid garbage cans, damage gardens, and inhabit human structures. shed, and set out garbage on the morning of pickup instead of the night before. Run a rubber strap, rope, or wire through the lid and attach to the can handles. Placing ammonia directly in the can may help to repel raccoons. Keep compost in secure, vented containers to prevent access. Tracks Feed Pets Indoors: Pet food should not be put out outside. Raccoon tracks Outdoor pet food inadvertently feeds a variety of wildlife spe- are easily Front 2Ó” Long cies, including raccoons. Raccoons that congregate at a feeder identified by the five long toes also can facilitate the spread of diseases from raccoons to other on each foot. Hind 3Ó” Long wildlife or domestic animals. Livestock food should be stored in The front foot secure containers and not left outside where it is available to is shaped somewhat raccoons. Bird feeders should be placed away from trees or other similar to a human structures that can be climbed by raccoons. hand. Tracks are Eliminate Potential Denning Areas: Close off openings usually paired, with under porches and buildings. Seal any openings that lead into the front and hind sheds or attics. tracks positioned next Eliminate Access Points: Raccoons can easily access roofs to each other as the animal walks along. by climbing trees, downspouts, vines, or a trellis located near the house. Roofs and chimneys should be well-maintained to prevent

18 Connecticut Wildlife November/December 2010 Wildlife Calendar Reminders Programs at the Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center Programs are a cooperative venture between the Wildlife Division and the Friends of Sessions Woods. Please pre-register by calling 860-675-8130 (Mon.-Fri., 8:30 AM-4:30 PM). Programs are free unless noted. An adult must accompany children under 12 years old. No pets allowed! Sessions Woods is located at 341 Milford St. (Route 69) in Burlington. Dec. 11...... Children’s Program: Wildlife Tracks & Signs, starting at 1:30 PM. Learn about wildlife tracks indoors with Natural Resource Educator Laura Rogers-Castro and then head outside for a short walk to look for animal signs. Children also will make a wildlife track to take home. An adult must accompany all children. Meet in the exhibit area of the Conservation Education Center. Jan. 9...... 12 Practical Tips for Successful Wildlife Photography, starting at 1:30 PM in the education center. Wildlife photographer and Master Wildlife Conservationist Gary Melnysyn will provide participants with 12 tips to successful wildlife images. Gary’s beautiful images will support a discussion on each tip. This will be an open forum that encourages questions about photo techniques or the wildlife itself. Gary recently returned to Connecticut after working as a National Park Service Ranger in Yellowstone National Park. He has travelled throughout North and Central America concentrating on digitally documenting a variety of wildlife species. Hunting Season Dates Sept. 15-Dec. 31...... Deer and turkey bowhunting season on private land (private land bowhunters in deer management zones 11 & 12 may hunt deer until January 31, 2011). Nov. 17-Dec. 7...... Private land shotgun/rifle and revolver deer hunting seasons.

Shepaug Bald Eagle Observation Area to

Open on December 26 J. FUSCO P. The Shepaug Bald Eagle Observation Area, in Southbury, opens for its 26th season on December 26, 2010. The Observation Area is run by FirstLight Power Resources, a GDF SUEZ Energy North America company, which owns and operates several hydroelectric facilities along the Housatonic River. Observation times are Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM from Sunday, December 26, 2010, through Wednesday, March 16, 2011. Although admission is free-of-charge, advance reservations are required and will be taken beginning on Tuesday, December 7. To make reservations for individuals, families, and groups, call toll-free at 1-800- 368-8954 between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM on Tuesdays through Fridays. The Shepaug Observation Area is one of the top eagle viewing areas in New England. It is a popular spot for eagles in winter when the turbulence below the dam keeps the water from freezing, and the fish below the dam provide a ready food source. Local experts report an average of eight eagles feeding per day. Other birds seen at the area include red-tail hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, goshawks, great blue herons, and a variety of waterfowl. Specialists will be on site with high-powered telescopes to help visitors see the eagles in action and to answer questions about America’s national symbol. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly because the observation area is unheated and to bring binoculars, if possible, given the limited number of on-site telescopes.

The 2010 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide and 2010-2011 Migratory Bird Hunting Guide are on the DEP Web site (www. ct.gov/dep/hunting), and also at town halls, DEP facilities, bait and tackle shops, and outdoor equipment stores. Go to www.ct.gov/dep/ sportsmenlicensing to purchase Connecticut hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses, as well as all required deer, turkey, and migratory bird permits and stamps. The system accepts payment by VISA or MasterCard. �� Subscription Order �� Please make checks payable to: Connecticut Wildlife, P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013 Check one: Check one: Donation to the Wildlife Fund: Renewal 1 Year ($8.00) 2 Years ($15.00) 3 Years ($20.00) $ ______New Subscription Help fund projects that benefit Name: songbirds, threatened and endangered Gift Subscription species, reptiles, amphibians, bats, and other wildlife species. Address: Gift card to read: City: State: Zip:November/December 2010Tel.: Connecticut Wildlife 19 PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT BURLINGTON, CT, AND ADDITIONAL OFFICES

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Natural Resources / Wildlife Division Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area P.O. Box 1550 Burlington, CT 06013-1550 P. J. FUSCO P.

Two young bucks square off in a battle to practice the skills they will need in later years when the confrontations will be much more serious.

20 Connecticut Wildlife November/December 2010